PARLIAMENT The Dewan Rakyat today voted against a motion to slash the hefty salaries of three special envoys, who were all once prominent cabinet ministers.

NONEThe trio are Rompin MP Jamaluddin Jarjis, who is the special envoy to the United States, former MCA president Ong Ka Ting (China) and former MIC president S Samy Vellu (India, right).

The motion was tabled by Sim Tze Tsin (PKR-Bayan Baru), who pointed out that each individual drew a monthly salary of RM27,227.20. In total, taxpayers pay the trio RM980,179.20 annually.

"Their salary is double that of the minister from Arau (Shahidan Kassim), who is paid RM14,907.20. (The special envoys) are given a ministerial status. They have all the ministerial privileges and allowances.

"They are provided offices. The office of the special envoy to India is on the 25th floor of Plaza Sentral, an exclusive location. The special envoys are given secretaries, special officers, aides and bodyguards from the police.

"They are always abroad. This is costly," Sim said.

Jamaluddin wears many hats

NONESim (left) argued these special envoys were redundant because Malaysia already has ambassadors in all three countries who are well versed in international relations, unlike the trio.

He added that Malaysia already has good relationship with the United States, China and India and there have been no conflict with these countries.

"These special envoys causes confusion - who is really in charge? Who is the real boss?... (Furthermore,) these envoys, who were appointed in 2010, have not brought more investments to Malaysia," he said.

Sim also pointed out that Jamaluddin was already wearing many hats.

"The special envoy to the United States is also the head of 1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme (PR1MA). It is an important position. He is also the BN 'war room' leader for GE13," he said.

In view of the federal government's budget deficit problem, Sim urged his BN colleagues to vote in favour of his motion and stop public funds from being used to "subsidise" three former cabinet members.

His motion was, however, defeated by a voice vote after a short and uneventful debate.

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